A few months ago, my friend Heather Llewellyn approached me about taking part in a new series of events and fundraisers for Equitas Health called Art for Life: On the Town. We sat with our friend Chris Hamel of Gateway Film Center and began to think about what kind of unique programming we could provide that would engage people all while helping to raise money and awareness for HIV/AIDS.

Pretty immediately, I knew I wanted to do something to celebrate the life of Howard Ashman, one of the brilliant minds that helped create Little Shop of Horrors, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and Aladdin. Howard died in 1991 at the age of 40 due to complications of AIDS.

A Celebration of the Life of Howard Ashman will take place at the Gateway Film Center this Saturday at 1:30 pm. Every penny from every ticket goes to further the mission of Equitas Health in fighting HIV/AIDS, through education, awareness, testing, and advocacy.

From some classic clips to some intimate performances from my friends Que Jones, Ricky Locci, and Jordan Shafer, I hope you will consider joining me for this special afternoon.

Honestly, my ‘lil Disney heart is so excited to celebrate a man who has had such profound impact on my life. <3